BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL

Transcription

1 BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL FOR FUTURE DWELLINGS AT STAGE 1 BOUNDARY ROAD MEDOWIE Prepared by: Firebird ecosultants Pty Ltd ABN PO Box 354 Newcastle NSW 2300 Mob: Ph: Fax: sarah@firebirdeco.com.au

2 Site Details: Prepared by: Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Sarah Jones B.Env.Sc.,G.Dip.DBPA (Design in Bushfire Prone Areas) Firebird ecosultants Pty Ltd ABN PO Box 354, Newcastle NSW 2300 M: sarah@firebirdeco.com.au T: Fax: Prepared for: Reference No. Document Status & Date: McCloy Medowie Pty Ltd Medowie McCloy Draft for Client Review 14 September 2016 Disclaimer Not withstanding the precautions adopted within this report, it should always be remembered that bushfires burn under a wide range of conditions. An element of risk, no matter how small always remains, and although the standard is designed to improve the performance of such buildings, there can be no guarantee, because of the variable nature of bushfires, that any one building will withstand bushfire attack on every occasion. Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie i

3 Executive Summary This report provides an assessment of the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) for Stage 1 at Boundary Road Medowie, in accordance with AS3959 (2009) Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas Appendix A - Method 1. This report and mapping are not to be used to place wholesale restrictions on lots reflecting the resulting BAL mapping presented within. This BAL report has shown that any future dwellings within the site will be able to meet the requirements of both AS and the addendum to Appendix 3 of Planning PBP 2006 (NSW Rural Fire Service NSW). Sarah Jones Ecologist / Bushfire Planner BPAD-A Certified Practitioner (BPD-PA-26512) B.Env.Sc., G.Dip.DBPA (Design for Bushfire Prone Areas) Disclaimer: The BALs as depicted within this report and mapping have been determined by management of vegetation to the east where land will be cleared for future stages. It should be noted that conditions may change over time that may result in different BALs for the lots. Although every care has been taken in the preparation of this BAL Report, Medowie McCloys Pty Ltd and the author accept no responsibility in errors in this report or damaged resulting from the information. It should be noted that upon lodgement of a Development Application (DA) with Council or Rural Fires Service they may recommend additional construction requirements (BALs). Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie ii

4 Terms & Abbreviations Abbreviation APZ AS AS BAL BCA BPA BPL Map BPMs Meaning Asset Protection Zone Australian Standard Fire Hydrant Installations Australian Standard Construction of Buildings in Bush Fire Prone Areas Bushfire Attack Level Building Code of Australia Bush Fire Prone Area (Also Bushfire Prone Land) Bush Fire Prone Land Map Bush Fire Protection Measures EPA Act NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 FDI FMP ha IPA LGA OPA Fire Danger Index Fuel Management Plan Hectare Inner Protection Area Local Government Area Outer Protection Area PBP Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006 PSC Port Stephens Council RF Act Rural Fires Act 1997 RF Regulation Rural Fires Regulation Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie iii

5 CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION Site Particulars 1 2 METHODOLOGY Vegetation Assessment Slope Assessment 2 3 SITE ASSESSMENT Vegetation and Slope Assessment 3 4 BUSHFIRE ATTACK ASSESSMENT Bushfire Attack Assessment Determination of Bushfire Attack Levels 4 5 CONCLUSION 1 6 BIBLIOGRAPHY 2 APPENDIX A SALE PLAN A-1 APPENDIX B SUMMARY OF AS CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS B-1 APPENDIX C ADDENDUM TO APPENDIX 3 OF PBP 2006 ADDITIONAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS C-1 TABLES Table 3-1: Vegetation & Slope Assessment 3 Table 4-1: Bushfire Attack Level Assessment 4 FIGURES Figure 4-1: BAL Map 1 Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie iv

6 1 INTRODUCTION Firebird ecosultants Pty Ltd has been engaged by McCloy Medowie Pty Ltd to undertake a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) report for Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie (hereafter referred to as the site ). Refer to Appendix A for Sales Plan. This BAL report assess the application of Australian Standard AS Construction of Buildings on Bushfire Prone Land and Appendix 3 of Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006 (PBP, 2006). AS3959 (2009) Appendix A Method 1 and Appendix B - Detailed Method 2 has been used in this assessment. Assessment Method 2 provides for a site specific and accurate determination of the hypothetical radiant heat flux levels a bushfire could be expected to generate under certain environmental conditions. Assessment Method 2 is an approved methodology for bushfire risk assessment as per AS This report has been prepared to provide guidance to prospective purchasers of what Bushfire Attack Levels (BALs) may be required for future dwellings within the site. Site Particulars Locality: Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie LGA: Forest Danger Index: Current Land Use: Port Stephens 100 Approved residential subdivision Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Page 1

7 2 METHODOLOGY The Australian Standard for assessing the BAL and providing the detailed requirements for construction has been reviewed and amended with the latest version being adopted for use in bushfire prone areas of NSW in May This version is titled AS Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas (standards Australia 2009, incorporating amendment 1 (November 2009) and amendment 2 (February 2011), with amendment 2 being used in this assessment. In addition, the NSW method of determining the bushfire attack level, found in Appendix 3 of the document Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006 (NSW Rural Fire Service 2006), has also been reviewed and amended to come into line with the process within AS Therefore, in NSW the methodology in AS 3959 is to be used to determine the bushfire attack level. AS3959 (2009) Appendix A Method 1 has been used in this BAL assessment. 2.1 Vegetation Assessment Vegetation surveys and vegetation mapping carried out on the site has been undertaken as follows: Aerial Photograph Interpretation to map vegetation cover and extent. Confirmation of the vegetation assemblage typology present via a site inspection. 2.2 Slope Assessment Slope assessment has been undertaken as follows: Aerial Photograph Interpretation in conjunction with analysis of electronic contour maps with a contour interval of 10m. On site confirmation of slope measurements. Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Page 2

8 3 SITE ASSESSMENT A site inspection was undertaken on the site. The following assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of PBP (RFS, 2006) and AS Vegetation and Slope Assessment An assessment of the slope affecting the bushfire behaviour was undertaken for a distance of 100m from the edge of the lot boundaries, in the direction of the bushfire hazard. The slopes leading away from the site have been evaluated to identify both the average slope and by identifying the maximum slope present. These values help determine the level of gradient which will most significantly influence the fire behaviour of the site. Refer to Table 1 for Vegetation and Slope Assessment. Table 3-1: Vegetation & Slope Assessment Direction from Site North East South Vegetation Classification Managed Land as an IPA until such time that development occurs. Managed Land as an IPA until such time that development occurs. Open Forest and Managed Land associated with existing residential development. Effective Slope 0 degrees 0 degrees 0 degrees West Open Forest 0 degrees Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Page 3

9 4 BUSHFIRE ATTACK ASSESSMENT 4.1 Bushfire Attack Assessment To determine the bush fire attack and required Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) for the proposed subdivision the following steps were followed: 1. Determination of the vegetation types within 100m of the site, as assessed in section 3 of this report. 2. Determination of the distance between the vegetation and future dwellings has been assessed in section 4.2 of this report. 3. Determination of the effective slope as assessed in section 3 of this report. 4. A FDI of 100 was determined for Port Stephens LGA. 4.2 Determination of Bushfire Attack Levels The results from the above steps were used to calculate the required BAL in accordance with Method 1 of AS The results from this bush fire attack assessment are detailed below in Table 4-1 Bushfire Attack Level Assessment and Figure 4-1 Bushfire Attack Level Map. Table 4-1: Bushfire Attack Level Assessment Vegetation Type within 100m & Direction from future dwellings Average Slope of Land (degrees) Separation Distance from Identified Vegetation Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Construction Section 25-<35m BAL-29 Sect 3 & 7 of AS3959 and Sect A3.7 of PBP Addendum Appendix 3 Open Forest 0 degrees 35-<48m BAL-19 Sect 3 & 6 of AS3959 and Sect A3.7 of PBP Addendum Appendix 3 48-<100m BAL-12.5 Sect 3 & 5 of AS3959 and Sect A3.7 of PBP Addendum Appendix 3 Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Page 4

10 Vegetation Type within 100m & Direction from future dwellings Average Slope of Land (degrees) Separation Distance from Identified Vegetation Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Construction Section >100m BAL-LOW No requirement *To Note: The construction requirements for the next lower BAL than that determined for the site may be applied to an elevation of the building where the elevation is not exposed to the source of the bushfire attack. An elevation is deemed to be not exposed to the source of bushfire attack if all the straight lines between that elevation and the source of bushfire attack are obstructed by another part of the building. However, this does not apply to BAL-12. No BALs applies to any future dwelling built greater than 100m from vegetation determined as a bushfire hazard. This report and mapping are not to be used to place wholesale restrictions on lots reflecting the resulting BAL mapping presented within. Building location and design will influence the application of the required BALs. For example, a lot indicated as being affected by BAL-29 may have those facades that are not exposed to the bushfire threat constructed to a lower BAL (i.e. BAL-19), reducing the costs of construction and providing more flexibility in choice of external building materials. Refer to Appendix B for Summary of AS Construction Standards and Appendix C for Additional Building Requirements. Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Page 5

11 Figure 4-1: BAL Map Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Page 1

12 ME E WI DO A RO STAGE D BOU NDA RY 52m ROA 13m 5m D Note: Boundaries are not survey accurate. Although all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the information shown on this map is up to date and accurate, no guarantee is given that the information portrayed is free from error or omission. Please verify the accuracy of all information prior to use. FIGURE 1-1:BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVELS MAP CLIENT SITE DETAILS DATE McCloy Group Pty Ltd Stage 1 Boundary Road Medowie 15 September 2016 Ref No 1836 C Legend Subject Site 100m Buffer 10m APZ 50m Temporary APZ Open Forest Managed Land BAL 29 BAL 19 BAL 12.5 DISCLAIMER 0 SCALE A This docment and the information shown shall remain the property of Firebird ecosultants Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was supplied and in accordance with the terms of engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited

13 5 CONCLUSION This report provides an assessment of the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) in accordance with AS Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas for Stage 1 at Boundary Road Medowie. This BAL report assesses the application of Australian Standard AS Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Land and Appendix 3 of Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006 (PBP, 2006). This report and mapping are not to be used to place wholesale restrictions on lots reflecting the resulting BAL mapping presented within. Future development of surrounding stages may result in lower BALs than detailed in this report. This BAL report has shown that any future dwellings within the site will be able to meet the requirements of both AS and the addendum to Appendix 3 of Planning PBP 2006 (NSW Rural Fire Service NSW). Sarah Jones Ecologist / Bushfire Planner FPA BPAD-A Certified Practitioner (BPD-PA-26512) B.Env.Sc. G.Dip.DBPA (Design for Bushfire Prone Areas) Disclaimer: The BALs as depicted within this report and mapping have been determined by vegetation within 100m of Stage 1, at the time of the assessment July It should be noted that conditions may change over time that may result in different BALs for the lots. Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Page 1

14 6 BIBLIOGRAPHY NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Planning for Bushfire Protection: A guide for Councils, Planners, Fire Authorities, Developers and Home Owners. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra. Standards Australia Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone Ares, AS3959, Third Edition 2009, Incorporating Amendment 1, Standards Australia International Ltd Sydney Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Page 2

15 APPENDIX A SALE PLAN Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Page A-1

16

17 APPENDIX B SUMMARY OF AS CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS Bushfire Attack Levels Stage 1 at Boundary Road, Medowie Page B-1

18 TABLE F.8.2 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR BAL LOW, BAL 12.5, BAL 19, BAL 29, BAL 40 and BAL FZ SITES FLOORING SYSTEMS 1. BAL Low A flooring system must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) A concrete slab-on-ground. (b) A suspended concrete floor. (c) A framed floor where, if the underside is greater than 600mm above finished ground or paving level, the sub-floor space is enclosed with (i) a non-combustible sheet material. If fibre-cement sheets are used for this purpose, the sheets must have a minimum thickness of 6mm; or (ii) a wall that extends around the perimeter of the floor from the underside of the lowest framing member to finished ground or paving level and is constructed of one or a combination of the following: (aa) a non-combustible material, such as full masonry, brick veneer, mud brick, concrete or aerated concrete. (bb) a timber or steel-framed wall that is sarked on the outside of the frame with sarking-type-material having a flammability index of not more than 5, and clad with (A) fibre-cement external sheeting with a minimum thickness of 6mm; or (B) steel sheet; or (C) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (D) a combination of (A), (B) or (C). (cc) a combination of (aa) and (bb). (iii) a vertical non-combustible sheet material that extends around the perimeter of the floor from the underside of the lowest framing member to finished ground or paving level. If fibre-cement sheets are used for this purpose, the sheets must have a minimum thickness of 6mm. (d) a framed floor where, if any joist and/or bearer is less than 600mm above finished ground or paving level, the subfloor space is (i) if unenclosed, constructed from flooring material, including bearers, joists and flooring that is (A) non-combustible; or (B) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (C) particleboard or plywood flooring where the underside is lined with sarking-type-material or mineral wool insulation; or (D) a system complying with AS ; or (E) a combination of (A), (B), (C) or (D). (ii) enclosed with a wall complying with (c)(ii). (iii) enclosed with a mesh or perforated sheet made from corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium with a maximum aperture size of 2mm. (iv) enclosed with non-combustible sheet material that extends not less than 400mm above finished ground or paving level and to the bottom of the wall sheeting material. If fibre reinforced cement sheets are used for this purpose, the sheets must have a minimum thickness of 6mm. Refer Figure F A flooring system complying with (c) or (d) must have all joints in the external surface of walls covered, sealed, overlapped, backed or butt-jointed to prevent gaps greater than 3mm. Alternatively, sarking-type-material can be applied over the frame prior to fixing any external sheeting. 2. BAL As per the BAL Low requirements of this table 3. BAL 19 As per the BAL Low requirements of this table 4. BAL 29 As per the BAL Low requirements of this table 5. BAL 40 As per the BAL Low requirements of this table with the following variation A framed floor where the sub-floor space is unenclosed, must be constructed from flooring materials, including bearers, joists and flooring that are (i) non-combustible; or (ii) have the underside of the combustible elements of the floor system protected with a non-combustible material; or (iii) a system complying with AS ; or (iv) a combination of (i), (ii) or (iii). 17 of 40

19 6. BAL FZ As per the BAL Low requirements of this table with the following variation A framed floor where the sub-floor space is unenclosed, must be constructed from flooring materials, including bearers, joists and flooring that (i) have an FRL of at least 30/30/30 and the surface material must be non-combustible; or (ii) have the underside of the combustible elements of the floor system protected with a 30 minute resistance to the incipient spread of fire; or (iii) comply with AS when tested from the underside; or (iv) a combination of (i), (ii) or (iii). SUPPORTING POSTS, COLUMNS, STUMPS, PIERS AND POLES 1. BAL Low Supporting posts, columns, stumps, piers and poles must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) A non-combustible material. (b) A bushfire-resisting-timber for not less than 400mm above finished ground or paving level. (c) Timber mounted on metal stirrups with a clearance of not less than 75mm above finished ground or paving level. Refer Figure F BAL 12.5 As per the BAL Low requirements of this table 3. BAL 19 As per the BAL Low requirements of this table 4. BAL 29 Supporting posts, columns, stumps, piers and poles must comply with one or a combination of the following: A non-combustible material; or Bushfire-resisting-timber. 5. BAL 40 Supporting posts, columns, stumps, piers and poles must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) A non-combustible material; or (b) A system complying with AS BAL FZ Supporting posts, columns, stumps, piers and poles must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) Have an FRL of at least 30/-/- and must be non-combustible; or (b) A system complying with AS EXTERNAL WALLS 1. BAL Low No requirements 2. BAL External walls must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) A non-combustible material such as full masonry, brick veneer, mud brick, concrete or aerated concrete. (b) A timber or steel-framed wall that (i) is sarked on the outside of the frame with sarking-type-material having a flammability index of not more than 5; and (ii) clad within 400mm of finished ground or paving level, or any balcony or deck with solid flooring with (A) non-combustible material; or (B) steel sheet; or (C) fibre-cement external sheeting with a minimum thickness of 6mm; or (D) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (E) a combination of (A), (B), (C) or (D). All joints in the external surface of walls must be covered, sealed, overlapped, backed or butt-jointed to prevent gaps greater than 3mm. Alternatively, sarking-type-material can be applied over the frame prior to fixing any external sheeting. 3. BAL- 19 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table 4. BAL- 29 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table with the following variation (a) All external cladding (less than and greater than 400mm above finished ground or paving level) must comply with (b) (ii)(a), (B), (C), (D) or (E) of the BAL 12.5 requirements. 18 of 40

20 5. BAL- 40 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table with the following variation (a) All external cladding for timber or steel-framed walls (less than and greater than 400mm above finished ground or paving level) must be - (i) fibre-cement sheeting with a minimum thickness of 9mm; or (ii) steel sheet; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). 6. BAL FZ External walls must be one or a combination of the following: (a) A non-combustible material such as full masonry, brick veneer, mud brick, concrete or aerated concrete with a minimum thickness of 90mm. (b) A system complying with AS when tested from the outside. (c) A system with an FRL of 30/30/30 or -/30/30 when tested from the outside. WINDOWS 1. BAL Low No requirements 2. BAL Window assemblies, and shutters and screens, must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) Window assemblies must be completely protected by a bushfire shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) and is made from - (i) a non-combustible material; or (ii) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). (b) Window assemblies must be completely protected externally by screens complying with F.8.2(h). (c) Window assemblies must comply with the following (i) For window assemblies less than 400mm from the ground or less than 400mm above decks, carport roofs, awnings and similar elements or fittings having an angle less than 18 degrees to the horizontal and extending more than 110mm in width from the window frame, window frames and window joinery must be one of the following: (A) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (B) metal; or (C) metal-reinforced PVC-U. The reinforcing members must be made from aluminium, stainless steel or corrosion-resistant steel and the frame and sash must satisfy the design load, performance and structural strength of the member. (ii) Externally fitted hardware that supports the sash in its functions of opening and closing must be metal. (iii) Where glazing is less than 400mm from the ground or less than 400mm above decks, carport roofs, awnings and similar elements or fittings having an angle less than 18 degrees to the horizontal and extending more than 110mm in width from the window frame, the glazing must be Grade A safety glazing with a minimum thickness of 4mm or glass blocks with no restriction on glazing methods. Note: Where double glazing is used, the above requirements apply to the external face of the window assembly only. (iv) Where glazing is other than that specified in (iii) above, annealed glass may be used. (v) The openable portions of windows must be screened internally or externally with screens that comply with F.8.2(h). 3. BAL- 19 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table with the following variations (a) Where glazing is less than 400mm from the ground or less than 400mm above decks, carport roofs, awnings and similar elements or fittings having an angle less than 18 degrees to the horizontal and extending more than 110mm in width from the window frame, the glazing must be toughened glass with a minimum thickness of 5mm, or glass blocks with no restriction on glazing methods. Note: Where double glazing is used, the above requirements apply to the external face of the window assembly only. (b) Where glazing is other than that specified in (iii) above, annealed glass may be used. Where annealed glass is used, the fixed and openable portions of windows must be screened externally with screens that comply with the F.8.2(h), with the exception that aluminium mesh must not be used in the window screens. (c) Where leadlight windows are installed, they must be protected with non-combustible shutters or toughened glass. (d) Where toughened glass is used, it must have a minimum thickness of 5mm and the openable portions of the windows must be screened internally or externally with screens that comply with the F.8.2(h). (e) Glazed elements that are designed to take internal screens must use toughened glass with a minimum thickness of 5mm and the openable portion must be screened with screens that comply with the F.8.2(h). 19 of 40

21 4. BAL- 29 Window assemblies, and shutters and screens, must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) Window assemblies must be completely protected by a bushfire shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) and is made from - (i) a non-combustible material; or (ii) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). (b) Window assemblies must comply with the following: (i) Window frames and window joinery must be made from one of the following: (A) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (B) metal; or (C) metal-reinforced PVC-U. The reinforcing members must be made from aluminium, stainless steel or corrosion-resistant steel and the frame and sash must satisfy the design load, performance and structural strength of the member. (ii) Externally fitted hardware that supports the sash in its functions of opening and closing must be metal. (iii) Glazing must be toughened glass with a minimum thickness of 5mm. (iv) The openable portion of windows must be screened internally or externally with screens that comply with F.8.2(h), with the exception that aluminium mesh must not be used in the window screens. 5. BAL- 40 Window assemblies, and shutters and screens, must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) Window assemblies must be completely protected by a bushfire shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) and is made from a non-combustible material. (b) Window assemblies must comply with the following: (i) Window frames and hardware must be metal; and (ii) Glazing must be toughened glass with a minimum thickness of 6mm; and (iii) Both the openable and the fixed portions of the window must be screened externally with screens that comply with F.8.2(h), with the exception that aluminium mesh must not be used in the window screens and the frame supporting the mesh or perforated sheet must be metal (iv) Seals to stiles, heads and sills or thresholds must be manufactured from materials having a flammability index of not more than 5 or from silicone. 6. BAL FZ Window assemblies, and shutters and screens, must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) Window assemblies must be completely protected by a bushfire shutter that complies with F.8.2(g), with the exception that perforations are not acceptable over the door system, and AS when tested from the outside. (b) The openable portion of the window must be screened internally or externally with screens that comply with F.8.2(i), with the exception that aluminium mesh must not be used in the window screens and the frame supporting the mesh or perforated sheet must be metal, and either (i) the window system must have an FRL of at least -/30/-; or (ii) the window system must comply with AS when tested from the outside. EXTERNAL DOORS (including side-hung external doors such as French doors, panel fold and bi-fold doors, sliding doors and garage doors) 1. BAL Low No requirements 20 of 40

22 2. BAL SIDE HUNG DOORS Side-hung external doors must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) They must be completely protected by a bushfire shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) and is made from - (i) non-combustible material; or (ii) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). (b) They must be completely protected externally by screens complying with F.8.2(h). (c) They must comply with the following (i) Doors must be - (A) non-combustible; or (B) a solid timber door with a minimum thickness of 35mm for the first 400mm above the threshold; or (C) a door, including a hollow core door, with a non-combustible kick-plate on the outside for the first 400mm above the threshold; or (D) a fully framed glazed door, where the framing is made from materials required for bushfire shutters. (ii) Where doors incorporate glazing, the glazing must comply with the glazing requirements for windows. (iii) Doors must be tight-fitting to the door frame and to an abutting door, if applicable. (iv) Where any part of the door frame is less than 400mm from the ground or less than 400mm above decks, carport roofs, awnings and similar elements or fittings having an angle less than 18 degrees to the horizontal and extending more than 110mm in width from the door, that part of the door frame must be made from one of the following: (A) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (B) metal; or (C) metal-reinforced PVC-U. The reinforcing members must be made from aluminium, stainless steel or corrosion-resistant steel and the frame and sash must satisfy the design load, performance and structural strength of the member. (v) Weather strips, draught excluders or draught seals must be installed at the base of side-hung external doors. SLIDING DOORS Sliding doors must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) They must be completely protected by a bushfire shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) and is made from - (i) non-combustible material; or (ii) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). (b) They must be completely protected externally by screens complying with F.8.2(h). (c) They must comply with the following (i) Any glazing incorporated in sliding doors must be Grade A safety glass complying with AS (ii) Both the door frame supporting the sliding door and the framing surrounding any glazing must be (A) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (B) metal; or (C) metal-reinforced PVC-U. The reinforcing members must be made from aluminium, stainless steel or corrosion-resistant steel and the frame and sash must satisfy the design load, performance and structural strength of the member. (iii) If the openable part of the sliding door is screened, the screens must comply with F.8.2(h). (iv) Sliding doors must be tight-fitting in the frames. VEHICLE ACCESS DOORS Vehicle access doors must comply with the following: (a) The portion of the vehicle access door that is within 400mm of the finished ground or paving when the door is closed must be made from - (i) non-combustible material; or (ii) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (iii) fibre-cement sheet with a minimum thickness of 6mm; or (iv) a combination of (i), (ii) or (iii). (b) Panel lift, tilt doors or side-hung doors must be fitted with suitable weather strips, draught excluders, draught seals or guide tracks, as appropriate to the door type, with a maximum gap no greater than 3mm. (c) Roller doors must have guide tracks with a maximum gap no greater than 3mm and must be fitted with a nylon brush that is in contact with the door. (d) Vehicle access doors must not include ventilation slots. 21 of 40

23 3. BAL 19 SIDE HUNG DOORS As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table with the following variations (a) Aluminium mesh must not be used in the door screens. (b) Where the doors incorporate glazing, the glazing must be toughened glass with a minimum thickness of 5mm. SLIDING DOORS As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table with the following variations (a) Aluminium mesh must not be used in the door screens. (b) Any glazing incorporated in sliding doors must be toughened glass with a minimum thickness of 5mm. VEHICLE ACCESS DOORS Vehicle access doors must comply with the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table. 4. BAL 29 SIDE HUNG DOORS Side-hung external doors must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) They must be completely protected by a bushfire shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) and is non-combustible. (b) They must be completely protected externally by screens complying with F.8.2(h), with the exception that aluminium mesh must not be used in the door screens. (c) They must comply with the following (i) Doors must be - (A) non-combustible; or (B) a solid-core door with a minimum thickness of 35mm (ii) Externally fitted hardware that supports the panel in its functions of opening and closing must be metal. (iii) Where doors incorporate glazing, the glazing must be toughened glass with a minimum thickness of 6mm. (iv) Door frames must be made from one of the following: (A) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (B) metal; or (C) metal-reinforced PVC-U. The reinforcing members must be made from aluminium, stainless steel or corrosion-resistant steel and the frame and sash must satisfy the design load, performance and structural strength of the member. (v) Doors must be tight-fitting to the door frame and to an abutting door, if applicable. (vi) Weather strips, draught excluders or draught seals must be installed at the base of side-hung external doors. SLIDING DOORS Sliding doors must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) They must be completely protected by a bushfire shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) and is made from noncombustible material. (b) They must be completely protected externally by screens complying with F.8.2(h), with the exception that aluminium mesh must not be used in the door screens. (c) They must comply with the following: (i) Both the door frame supporting the sliding door and the framing surrounding any glazing must be (A) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (B) metal; or (C) metal-reinforced PVC-U. The reinforcing members must be made from aluminium, stainless steel or corrosion-resistant steel and the frame and sash must satisfy the design load, performance and structural strength of the member. (ii) Externally fitted hardware that supports the panel in its functions of opening and closing must be metal. (iii) Where doors incorporate glazing, the glazing must be toughened glass with a minimum thickness of 6mm, except where both the fixed and openable portions of doors are screened externally with screens that comply with F.8.2(h), with the exception that aluminium mesh must not be used in the door screens. (iv) Sliding doors must be tight-fitting in the frames. VEHICLE ACCESS DOORS Vehicle access doors must comply with the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table. 22 of 40

24 5. BAL 40 SIDE HUNG DOORS Side hung doors must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) They must be protected by a shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) and is non-combustible. (b) They must comply with the following: (i) Doors must be (A) non-combustible; or (B) a solid-core door with a minimum thickness of 35mm. (ii) Externally fitted hardware that supports the panel in its functions of opening and closing must be made of materials that have an FRL of at least -/30/-. (iii) Where doors incorporate glazing, the glazing must be toughened glass with a minimum thickness of 6mm and both the fixed and openable portions of doors must be screened externally with screens that comply with F.8.2(h), with the exception that aluminium mesh must not be used in the door screens. (iv) Seals to stiles, heads and sills or threshold must be manufactured from materials with a flammability index no greater than 5 or from silicone. (v) Door frames must be metal. (vi) Doors must be tight-fitting to the door frame and to an abutting door, if applicable. (vii) Weather strips, draught excluders or draught seals must be installed at the base of side-hung external doors. SLIDING DOORS Sliding doors must be one or a combination of the following: (a) They must be protected by a shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) and is non-combustible. (b) They must comply with the following: (i) Both the door frame supporting the sliding door and the framing surrounding any glazing must be metal. (ii) Externally fitted hardware that supports the panel in its functions of opening and closing must be metal. (iii) Where sliding doors incorporate glazing, the glazing must be toughened glass with a minimum thickness of 6mm and both the fixed and openable portions of doors must be screened externally with screens that comply with F.8.2(h), with the exception that aluminium mesh must not be used in the door screens. (iv) Seals to stiles, heads and sills or threshold must be manufactured from materials with a flammability index no greater than 5 or from silicone. (v) Sliding doors must be tight-fitting in the frames. VEHICLE ACCESS DOORS Vehicle access doors must comply with the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table with the following variation: (a) They must be non-combustible. 6. BAL- FZ SIDE HUNG DOORS Side hung doors must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) They must be protected by a shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) with the exception that perforations are not acceptable over the door system, and AS when tested from the outside. (b) They must comply with the following: (i) All door systems, including door frames and doors with glazed panels, must (A) have an FRL of at least -/30/-; or (B) comply with AS when tested from the outside. (ii) Doors must be tight-fitting to the door frame and to an abutting door, if applicable. (iii) Weather strips, draught excluders or draught seals must be installed at the base of side-hung external doors. (iv) Seals must not compromise the FRL or the performance achieved in AS SLIDING DOORS Sliding doors must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) They must be protected by a shutter that complies with F.8.2(g) with the exception that perforations are not acceptable over the door system, and AS when tested from the outside. (b) They must comply with the following: (i) All sliding door systems, including those with glazed panels must (A) have an FRL of at least -/30/-; or (B) comply with AS when tested from the outside. (ii) Sliding doors must be tight-fitting in the frames. VEHICLE ACCESS DOORS Vehicle access doors must comply with the BAL 40 requirements of this table with the following variation - (a) Where the garage is attached to the building, the requirements of F.8.2(b)(ii) must apply. 23 of 40

25 VENTS AND WEEPHOLES (including vents and weepholes located in external walls and sub-floor spaces) 1. BAL- Low Vents to sub-floor spaces and weepholes must be fitted with ember guards made from corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium mesh or perforated sheet with a maximum aperture size of 2mm. 2. BAL 12.5 As per the BAL Low requirements of this table 3. BAL 19 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table with the following variation (a) Aluminium mesh or perforated sheet must not be used for the ember guards. 4. BAL 29 As per the BAL 19 requirements of this table 5. BAL 40 As per the BAL 19 requirements of this table 6. BAL FZ As per the BAL 19 requirements of this table ROOFS (including verandahs and attached carport roofs, eaves linings, fascias, gables) 1. BAL Low No requirements 2. BAL Roofs must comply with one or a combination of the following: (a) Roof tiles, roof sheets and roof-covering accessories must be non-combustible. (b) The roof/wall junction must be sealed to prevent openings greater than 3mm, either by the use of fascia and eaves linings or by sealing between the top of the wall and the underside of the roof and between the rafters at the line of the wall. Refer Figure F (c) Roof ventilation openings, such as gable and roof vents, must be fitted with ember guards made from corrosionresistant steel or bronze mesh or perforated sheet with a maximum aperture of 2mm. (d) Tiled roofs must be (i) fully sarked over the entire roof area, including the ridge. The sarking-type-material must have a flammability index of not more than 5; and (ii) located directly below the roof battens; and (iii) cover the entire roof area including the ridge; and (iii) installed so that there are no gaps that will allow entry of embers where the sarking-type-material meets fascias, gutters, valleys and the like. (e) Sheets roofs (metal or fibre-cement sheet) must be (i) fully sarked in accordance with (d)(i); or (ii) have any gaps greater than 3mm, under corrugations or ribs of sheet roofing and between roof components, sealed at the fascia or wall line and at valleys, hips and ridges by (A) corrosion-resistant steel or bronze mesh or perforated sheet with a maximum aperture of 2mm; or (B) mineral wool; or (C) other non-combustible material; or (D) a combination of (A), (B) or (C). (f) A verandah, carport or awning roof (i) forming part of the main roof space, must meet all the requirements of the main roof. (ii) separated from the main roof space by an external wall complying with the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table, must have a non-combustible roof covering. (g) Gables must comply with the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table for external walls. (h) Eaves penetrations must be protected in accordance with the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table for roof penetrations. (i) Eaves ventilation openings greater than 3mm must be fitted with ember guards made from non-combustible material or corrosion-resistant steel or bronze mesh or perforated sheet with a maximum aperture of 2mm. (j) Joints in eaves linings, fascias and gables may be sealed with plastic joining strips or timber storm moulds. 24 of 40

26 3. BAL 19 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table with the following variations (a) Sheet roofs (metal or fibre-cement sheet) must be fully sarked in accordance with (d)(i). (b) A verandah, carport or awning roof (i) forming part of the main roof space, must meet all the requirements of the main roof. (ii) separated from the main roof space by an external wall complying with the BAL 19 requirements of this table, must have a non-combustible roof covering. (c) Gables must comply with the BAL 19 requirements of this table for external walls. (d) Eaves penetrations must be protected in accordance with the BAL 19 requirements of this table for roof penetrations. (e) Eaves linings must be (i) fibre-cement sheet, with a minimum thickness of 4.5mm; or (ii) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). (f) Joining strips in eaves linings, fascias and gables strips must be of bushfire-resisting-timber. (g) Fascias and bargeboards must be (i) non-combustible or; (ii) bushfire-resisting timber; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). 4. BAL 29 As per the BAL 19 requirements of this table with the following variations (a) A pipe or conduit that penetrates the roof covering must be non-combustible. (b) Sarking-type-material installed in tiled roofs must extend into gutters and valleys. (c) A verandah, carport or awning roof (i) forming part of the main roof space, must meet all the requirements of the main roof. (ii) separated from the main roof space by an external wall complying with the BAL 29 requirements of this table, must have a non-combustible roof covering and the support structure must be (A) non-combustible material; or (B) bushfire-resisting-timber; or (C) timber rafters lined on the underside with fibre-cement sheeting with a minimum thickness of 6mm, or with material complying with AS ; or (D) a combination of (A), (B) or (C). (d) Gables must comply with the BAL 29 requirements of this table for external walls. (e) Eaves penetrations must be protected in accordance with the BAL 29 requirements of this table for roof penetrations. (f) Fibre-reinforced cement or aluminium must not be used for roof sheeting or fascias. (g) Aluminium must not be used for eaves linings. 5. BAL 40 As per the BAL 29 requirements of this table with the following variations (a) A verandah, carport or awning roof (i) forming part of the main roof space, must meet all the requirements of the main roof. (ii) separated from the main roof space by an external wall complying with the BAL 40 requirements of this table, must have a non-combustible roof covering and the support structure must be (A) non-combustible material; or (B) timber rafters lined on the underside with fibre-cement sheeting with a minimum thickness of 6mm, or with material complying with AS ; or (C) a system complying with AS ; or (D) a combination of (A), (B) or (C). (b) Gables must comply with the BAL 40 requirements of this table for external walls. (c) Fascias and bargeboards must comply with AS (d) Eaves penetrations must be protected in accordance with the BAL 40 requirements of this table for roof penetrations. (e) Eaves linings must be (i) fibre-cement sheet with a minimum 6mm thickness; or (ii) calcium silicate sheet with a minimum 6mm thickness; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). Note: Roof-mounted evaporative coolers are excluded from the BAL 40 level. 25 of 40

27 6. BAL FZ As per the BAL 40 requirements of this table with the following variations - (a) The roof or roofing system must comply with AS when tested from the outside. (b) A pipe or conduit that penetrates the roof covering must be metal, excluding aluminium. (c) A verandah, carport or awning roof (i) forming part of the main roof space, must meet all the requirements of the main roof. (ii) separated from the main roof space by an external wall complying with the BAL FZ requirements of this table, must have a non-combustible roof covering and the support structure must be (A) non-combustible material; or (B) timber rafters lined on the underside with fibre-cement sheeting with a minimum thickness of 6mm, or with material complying with AS ; or (C) a system complying with AS ; or (D) a combination of (A), (B) or (C). (d) Gables must comply with the BAL FZ requirements of this table for external walls. (e) Fascias and bargeboards must comply with AS (f) Eaves penetrations must be protected in accordance with the BAL FZ requirements of this table for roof penetrations. (g) Eaves linings must be (i) a system with an FRL of -/30/30; or (ii) a system complying with AS ; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). Note: Roof-mounted evaporative coolers are excluded from the BAL FZ level. ROOF LIGHTS (including vented roof lights and skylights) 1. BAL Low No requirements 2. BAL 12.5 (a) Roof lights and associated shafts through the roof space must be sealed (i) with a non-combustible sleeve or lining; and (ii) at the roof penetration with non-combustible material to prevent gaps greater than 3mm. (b) Openings in vented roof lights must be fitted with ember guards made from corrosion-resistant steel or bronze mesh or perforated sheet with a maximum aperture of 2mm (c) All overhead glazing must be Grade A safety glazing complying with AS (d) Glazed elements in roof lights and skylights may be of polymer provided a Grade A safety glass diffuser, complying with AS 1288, is installed under the glazing. Where glazing is an insulating glazing unit (IGU), a minimum 4mm Grade A toughened safety glass, must be used in the outer pane of the IGU. (e) Flashing elements of tubular skylights may be of fire-retardant material, provided the roof integrity is maintained byan under-flashing of a material having a flammability index not more than BAL 19 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table 4. BAL 29 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table with the following variation (a) Where roof lights are installed in roofs having a pitch of less than 18 degrees to the horizontal, the glazing must be protected with ember guards made from corrosion-resistant steel or bronze mesh or perforated sheet with a maximum aperture of 2mm. 5. BAL 40 (vented roof lights not permitted) As per the BAL 29 requirements of this table with the following variation (a) glazed assemblies for roof lights and skylights must have an FRL of -/30/-. 6. BAL FZ As per the BAL 40 requirements of this table with the following variations- (a) Roof lights and associated shafts must be sealed at the roof penetration with mineral fibre to prevent gaps greater than 3mm. (b) Roof lights must be one of the following - (i) a system complying with AS when tested from the outside; or (ii) a system with an FRL of 30/30/30 or -/30/30 when tested from the outside. 26 of 40

28 ROOF-MOUNTED EVAPORATIVE COOLING UNITS 1. BAL Low No requirements 2. BAL Evaporative coolers must be (a) sealed at the roof penetration with non-combustible material to prevent gaps greater than 3mm; and (b) fitted with (i) butterfly closers at or near the ceiling level; or (ii) non-combustible covers made from corrosion-resistant steel or bronze mesh or perforated sheet with a maximum aperture of 2mm. 3. BAL 19 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table 4. BAL 29 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table 5. BAL 40 Evaporative coolers must not be used installed in BAL BAL FZ Evaporative coolers must not be used installed in BAL FZ OTHER ROOF PENETRATIONS (including roof ventilators, aerials, vent pipes and supports for solar collectors) 1. BAL Low No requirements 2. BAL (a) All components of roof ventilators (including rotary ventilators), aerials, vent pipes and supports for solar collectors must be (i) of non-combustible material; and (ii) be sealed at the roof penetration with non-combustible material to prevent gaps greater than 3mm. (b) Openings in roof ventilators and vent pipes must be fitted with ember guards made from corrosion-resistant steel or bronze mesh or perforated sheet with a maximum aperture of 2mm. (c) Vent pipes made from PVC are permitted. 3. BAL 19 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table - not including (c) 4. BAL 29 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table 5. BAL 40 (a) All components of roof ventilators (including rotary ventilators), aerials, vent pipes and supports for solar collectors must be (i) of non-combustible material; and (ii) be sealed at the roof penetration with non-combustible material to prevent gaps greater than 3mm. 6. BAL FZ (a) All components of aerials, vent pipes and supports for solar collectors must be (i) of non-combustible material; and (ii) be sealed at the roof penetration with non-combustible material to prevent gaps greater than 3mm. (b) Roof ventilators must be one of the following - (i) a system complying with AS when tested from the outside; or (ii) a system with an FRL of 30/30/30 or -/30/30 when tested from the outside. GUTTERS AND DOWNPIPES 1. BAL Low No requirements 2. BAL (a) Gutter and valley leaf guards must be non-combustible. (b) Box gutters must be non-combustible and flashed at the junction with the roof with non-combustible material. 3. BAL 19 As per the BAL 12.5 requirements of this table 27 of 40